Strand reeling apparatus



April 21, 1959 A. G. FOSTER ETAL STRAND REELING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 7, 1956 INVENTOR.

A. C. FUS7Z'R v0. '6. STE TKA ATTORNEY April 21, 1959 A. G. FOSTER ET AL STRAND REELING APPARATUS 4 Sheet-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 7, 1956 INVENTOR. A. G. FOSTER D. G. STE TKA Afro/m5 v April 21, 1959 A A. G. FOSTER ETAL 2,883,120

STRAND REELING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 7, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 OIL RESERVOIR E L/Q/ L192 V A V gzo/ f 19s /97 190 V 5 AIR RESERVOIR 5-202 L V INVENTOR.

AC. FOSZ'L'R FIG. 4 D. 6. 5757/64 By d/ Ai'TORA/EY STRAND REELING APPARATUS Arthur G. Foster, Towson, and Daniel- G. Stetka, 'Govans,

Md, assignors to Western Electric Company, Incorporated, New York, 'N.Y., a corporation of New Y orh ApplicationFebruary7, 1956, SerialNo. 563,965

8 Claims. (Cl. 242-25) the strand begins at predetermined points on the reels.

In the manufacture 'of plastic insulated wire, the finished insulated wire is delivered continuously from a plastics extruder at a substantially constant linear speed. ..'In order that the extrusion operation may continue without interruption, it is a common practice to employ strand reeling apparatus having two reeling positions where predetermined lengths of the finished insulated wire are wound alternately on reels. As soon as :a predetermined length of the wire has been wound upon a take up reel at one of these reeling positions, the wire is severed and the new leading end of the wire is attached automatically to an empty takeup reel. at the other reeling position without interrupting the advance of the Wire.

in the operation of certain conventional strand reeling apparatus of the type mentioned above, it is desirable that the path of the leading end of the wire be controlled so that the Winding of the wire on an empty takeup reel commences at a predetermined point on the Winding surface of that reel. Preferably this point is immediately adjacent to the inside of the takeup reel flange nearest to a snagging device provided for catching the leading end of the strand and attaching it to the empty takeup reel.

An object of this invention is to provide new and improved strand reeling apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide new and improved strand reeling apparatus having means for transferring the reeling of a strand alternately from one takeup reel to another so that the Winding of the strand begins at predetermined points on the reels.

Strand reeling apparatus for taking up a continuously advancing strand alternately upon rotatably driven takeup reels, which illustrates certain features of thisinvention, may include a movable strand guide, distributing means for reciprocating the strand guide relative to the Winding surfaces of the takeup reels and indexing means for shifting the strand distributing means alternately from a first operating position wherein the strand guide distributes the strand upon the Winding surface of one take up reel to a second operating position wherein the strand is distributed similarly upon another takeup reel. Means are provided for operating the indexing means to transfer the distributing means alternately from one operating position to the other. In addition, means are provided for positively stopping the strand guide momentarily at predetermined positions with respect to the takeup reels While the distributing means is being shifted to transfer the strand from one takeup reel to another so as to cause the strand guide to direct the strand initially to a predetermined point on each takeup reel.

A complete understanding of the invention may be obtained from the following detailed description of strand reeling apparatus forming a specific embodiment thereof,

United States Patent whenreadin conjunction with. the appended drawings,

in which:

.Fig. 1. is afrontelevation of strand reelingapparatus forming an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

. Fig. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical section taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, front elevationof a portion ,of theapparatusshown in F ig.. 1, with parts thereof brokenaway;

.Fig. 4 is aschematic representation of 1a hydraulicand pneumatic system forming part of the apparatus shown in Fig. l, and

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an electrical control circuit forming part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Fig. l strand reeling apparatus for taking up without interruption a strand 1 1, which may be, for example, an insulated wire, delivered at a substantially constant rate from an insulating machine (not shown) by a conventional strand-advancing capstan (not shown). The trand reeling apparatus includes a frame 12 having .a pair of vertical, endsupport members 14 and 15 and a vertical, central support member 16. 'Journaled rotatably on the end support member 14 and the centralsupport member 16 are a pair of cooperating, reel-supporting cones 25 and"26, respectively. Similarly, a pair of reel-supporting cones 27 and 28 are journaled rotatably on the end support member 15 and the central support member '16, respectively. Removably mounted on the reel-supporting cones 25 and.26 is .a conventionaltakeup reel 31 and mounted. similarlybetween the reel-supporting cones 27 and 28 is another takeup reel 32.

The takeup reels 31.and 32 areidentical in construction and are positioned side by side as shown in Fig.

1 for axial rotation aboutna common normally rotational axis. The takeup reels.31 and 32 are of a conventional design and each includes a cylindrical winding drum 34 and a pair of flange-like reel heads 35-35 secured fixedly vat opposite ends of the winding drum. The reel-supporting cones 26 and 28 are connected operatively to pulleys 38.and 39, respectively, for rotation therewith. The pulley 38 is connected by means of an. endless belt- 41 to a drivepulley 42 which is driven rotatably from an electric motor 47. Similarly, the pulley 39 is connected by means of an endlessbelt to a drive pulley 51 driven from an electric motor "55. The electric motors 47 and 55 have a predetermined, controlled maximum speed and drive the takeup reels 31 and 32 in a manner such that a substantially constant predetermined tension is maintained on the strand 11 as it is Wound upon the respective takeup reels. Suitable electrical control means are provided for stopping and starting the motors 47 and 55 independently.

Mounted between the central support member 16.and the adjacent reel heads 3535 of the takeup reels 31 and 32, respectively, are snagger wheels 55 and .56. The snagger wheel 55 rotates with the reel-supporting cone 26 and, similarly, the snagger wheel.56 rotates withthe reel-supporting cone'28. Each of the snagger wheels 55 and 56 is provided with aseries of peripheral, tangentially projecting fingers 57 -57, which function to catch the strand 11 when the latter is transferred from one takeup reel 31 or 32 to the other takeup reel during a cutover operation. A vertically positioned cutter 59 is mounted on the front surface of the central support member 16 and is designed to sever the strand 11 when a length thereof is engaged between fingers 57-57 on the snagger wheels 55 and 56, respectively, during the cutover operation. Strand engaging and severing devices employing snagger wheels, similar to those described hereinabove, are disclosed in Hosford Patent 1,393,286.

The strand 11, as it advances toward the takeup reels 31 and 32 advances around a freely rotatable guide sheave '60 positioned on the top of the frame 12 near the center thereof, as viewed in Fig. 1. From the guide sheave 60 the strand 11 is directed to and travels around a distribuof the distributor carriage distributor arm 65. The guide fingers 64 -64 direct the strand 11 to one or the other of the takeup reels 31 and 32.

The distributor arm 65 forms a part of a movable distributor carriage, indicated generally by the numeral 70, which is mounted slidably for transverse movement along a pair of horizontally extending, spaced traverse rods 71 and 72. The distributor sheave 62 is journalled rotatably on and supported by the distributor carriage 70 for transverse movement therewith. The traverse rods 71 and 72 are supported fixedly at their opposite. ends by upright support members 74-74 of the frame 12. The distributor carriage 70 is supported slidably on the traverserods 71 and 72 by means of sleeve bearings 7575 and 78, respectively, secured fixedly to the distributor carriage. The sleeve bearings 7575 carry cams 81 and 82, re spectively, on their upper surfaces.

Referring again to Fig. 1, the distributor carriage 70 is shown connected to the outer, free end of a movable piston rod 84 of a hydraulically actuated distributor cylinder 85 which is actuatable to reciprocate the distributor carriage transversely with respect to the takeup reels 31 and 32 so as to distribute the strand 11 across the winding drums 3434 of the takeup reels. The distributor cylinder 85 is mounted slidably on the traverse rod 72 by means of sleeve bearings 86 and 87 to which it is attached by means of connecting plates 88 and 89, respectively.

The connecting plate 89 is attached to a sleeve bearing 91 slidably mounted on the traverse rod 71 and is also secured fixedly to the outer, free end of a movable piston rod 94 of a pneumatically-actuated stepping cylinder 95 designed to index the distributor cylinder 85 alternately trated by means of phantom outlines in Fig. 1, in which position the distributor cylinder operates to distribute the strand 11 upon the takeup reel 32. For the righthand operating position, the piston rod 94 of the stepping cylinder 95 is fully extended to the right. The stepping cylinder 95 is mounted stationary upon supports 9797 projecting vertically from a cross member 98 of the frame 12.

Mounted fixedly to the cross member 98 is a pneumatically-actuated bumper cylinder 105 having a piston rod 106 whichextends'through both ends of the cylinder and is provided at the outer ends thereof with bumper members 111 and 112, respectively. The bumper memvbers 111 and 112 are sleeve-like in construction and are slidably engaged upon a traverse rod 113 for movement 'therealong. The opposed inner ends of the bumper mem the distribution of the strand 11 upon the takeup reel 31. .The bumper cylinder 105 may be actuated to throw the bumper members 111 and 112 simultaneously to the right into their righthand positions, wherein the bumper members do not interfere with the distribution of the strand 11 on the takeup reel 32.

. When the bumper members 111 and112 are in their lefthand positions, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the bumpermember 112 is located to stop any rightward movement 70 beyond a position wherein the guide fingers 6464 direct the strand 11 to a point at the extreme lefthand end of the winding drum 34 of the takeup reel 32 immediately adjacent to the inner reel head 35. In this position a projecting stop 116 on the distributor carriage 70 is engaged by the resilient collar on the bumper member 112. When the bumper cylinder 105 is actuated to throw its piston rod 106 and the attached bumper members 111 and 112 to the right to their righthand positions, as illustrated by phantom outlines in Fig. 1, the bumper member 111 is located so as to stop the subsequent leftward movement of the distributor carriage 70 beyond a position wherein the guide fingers*6464 direct the strand 11 to a point at the extreme righthand end of the winding drum 34 of the takeup reel 31..

As mentioned hereinabove, the distributor carriage 70 is provided with earns 81 and 82 which are carried by the sleeve bearings 7575. The earns 81 and 82 move reciprocably with the distributor carriage 70 and are designed to actuate alternately spring-pressed plungers 118 and 119 of sensitive limit switches 121 and 122 depending from across member 125 of the frame 12.

The sleeve bearing 91 attached to the connecting plate 89 carries a cam designed to actuate alternately springpressed plungers and 136 of sensitive limit switches 141 and 142. The limit switches 141 and 142 are mounted on the rear of the cross member 125. When the piston rod 94 of the stepping cylinder 95 is fully retracted to the left, as viewed in Fig. 1, the earn 130 is in engagement with the plunger 135 to operate the limit switch 141. Conversely, when the piston rod 94 of the stepping cylinder 95 is fully extended to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1, the earn 130 is in engagement with the plunger 136 to operate the limit switch 142.

Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown a schematic representation of a combined hydraulic and pneumatic system forming a part of the strand reeling apparatus. This system includes a pair of constant displacement, rotary, hydraulic pumps 151 and 152 which are driven by the electric motors 47 and 55, respectively at speeds proportional to the rotation speeds of their respective takeup reels 31 and 32. The intake ports of both hydraulic pumps 151 and 152 are connected directly to a common supply line 155 which, in turn, communicates directly with a reservoir 157 containing a hydraulic fluid at atmospheric pressure.

A three-way, solenoid operated, spring-return valve 160 is connected to the discharge ports of the hydraulic pumps 151 and 152 so that, normally, the hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump 152 is bypassed and returned to the reservoir 157 through the valve 160, to the supply line 155. Normally, the valve 160 prevents the return of the hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump 151 to the reservoir 157 and the hydraulic fluid from the latter pump flows through a check valve 167 to a four-way, double solenoid operated distributor reversing valve 172. However, when a solenoid 174 of the valve 160 is energized the flow of hydraulic fluid is switched and the hydraulic fluid discharged from the pump 152 is directed through a check valve 175 to the distributor reversing valve 172, whereas the hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump 151 is returned to the reservoir 157 through the valve 160.

The distributor reversing valve 172 is designed to control the direction of flow of the hydraulic fluid supplied by either of the hydraulic pumps 151 and 152 to the distributor cylinder 85. One end of the distributor cylinder 85 is connected to a corresponding port of the distributor reversing valve 172 by means of a flexible line 176 and a line 177 and, similarly, the opposite end thereof is connected to another port on the distributor reversing valve by a flexible line 178 and a line 179. The lines 177 and 179 can be placed in communication with one another by the opening of a normally-closed, two-way, sole- 5 noid-operated, bypass valve 180. When a solenoid 181 of thebypass valve 180 is energized, thetvalveis opened to connect one end of the distributor cylinder 85 to the other end thereof, therebypermitting the hydraulic fluid from one end to flow freely to the other end thereof.

The distributor reversing valve 172 is controlled by two solenoids 185 and 186 which are energized alternately. When the solenoid 186 is energized, the valve 172 is operated to supply hydraulicfluid under pressure from either the hydraulic pump 151 or the hydraulic pump 152 to the lefthand end of the distributor cylinder to move the piston rod and attached distributor carriage 70 to the right. Conversely when the solenoid 185 is energized, the distributor carriage '70 is caused to move to the left.

The opposite ends of the stepping cylinder 95 are supplied from an air reservoir 190 through pilot operated, three-way valves 191 and 192. Normally the valve 191 connects the lefthand end of the stepping cylinder 95 directly to the air reservoir 190 so that the piston rod 94 is in its extended, righthand position as shown by the phantom outlines thereof in Fig. 1. The valve 192 normally connects the opposite end of the stepping cylinder to exhaust at atmospheric pressure. However, when a pilot line 195 is connected to the air reservoir 190 through a three-way, double solenoid-operated valve 197 the valves 191 and 192 are actuated so that the lefthand end of the stepping cylinder 95 is connected to exhaust through the valve 191 and the opposite end of the stepping cylinder 95 is connected to the air reservoir 190 by the valve 192 so that the piston rod is held in the lefthand, retracted position as shown in Fig. 1. The valve 197 is provided with two solenoids 201 and 202 designed to be energized alternately. When the solenoid 201 is energized the pilot line 195 is connected to exhaust through the valve 197 and when the solenoid 202 is energized, the pilot line is connected to the air reservoir 190 through the valve 197 to actuate the valves 191 and 192.

The operation of the bumper cylinder 105 is controlled by a four-way, double solenoid-operated valve 205 provided with two solenoids 211 and 212 designed to be energized alternately. When the solenoid 212 is energized the lefthand end of the bumper cylinder is connected to the air reservoir 190 to force the piston rod 106 to its extreme righthand position. The opposite end of the bumper cylinder 105 is connected to exhaust at this time through the valve 205. Conversely, energization of the solenoid 211 connects the righthand end of the bumper cylinder 105 to the air reservoir 190 and the lefthand end thereof to exhaust through the valve 205, to throw the piston rod 106 in the opposite direction.

Referring now to Fig. 5 there is shown an electrical circuit for controlling the operation of the hydraulic and pneumatic system describedhereinabove. The electrical circuit includes a pairof bus lines 220 and 221 supplied from a suitable source of E.M.F. (not shown). Connected across the bus lines 220 and 221, through a switch 224 forming part of a length-measuring counter 225, is an operating coil 229 of a stepping relay 230. The stepping relay 230 includes two separate banks A and B of contacts 232232. Each time the operating coil 229 of the stepping relay 230 is energized movable contact brushes 235-235 of the individual banks A and B are indexed simutlaneously one position ahead. The contact brushes 235235 are shown in Fig. 5 in engagement with the first contact 232 of each ofthe banks A and B. It will be understood that the next time the switch 224 closes and the operating coil 229 is energized,.the contact brushes 235-235 will be indexed simultaneously to engage the second contact 232 of each of the banks A and B.

As shown in Fig. 5, the even numbered contacts 232 232 of the bank A are connected together and in series with the solenoid .174 of the pump bypass valve 160. The solenoid 174, in turn, is connected in parallel with an operating coil 239 of a time delay relay 240.

Thus, when the contact brushes 235235 of the banks A and=B of the stepping relay 230 are positioned in engagement with the even numbered contacts 232'232,

the solenoid 174 and the-operating coil 239 of the time delay relay 240 are energized from the bus lines .220 and 221. An operating coil 244 of a time delay relay 245 is designed to be connected in parallel with the operating coil 239 through a normally closed contact 247 of the time delay relay 240. The contact 247 is set to open a predetermined time after the energization of the operat ing coil 239 ofthe time delay relay 240. An operating coil 249 of a time delay relay 250 is arranged to beenert gized from the bus lines 220 and 221 when the contact brushes 235-235 are in engagement with the odd numbered contacts 232232 the banks A and B of the stepping relay 230. An operating coil 254 of a time delay relay 255 is connected in parallel with the operating by the closure of normally-open, instantaneously operated contact266 and 267, respectively, of the time delay relays 240 and 250, respectively.

The solenoid 211 of the valve 205 may be connected across the bus lines 220 and 221 by the closure of a contact 271 of the limit switch 141 when the plunger of the latter is actuated by the cam 130. Connected in parallel with the solenoid 211 is anoperating coil 274 of a relay 275. Similarly, the solenoid 212 of the valve 205 may be energized upon the closure of a contact 281 of the limit switch 142 when the plunger 136 of the latter is actuated by the cam 130. Connected in parallel with the solenoid 212 is an operating coil 284 of a relay 285. The contact 271 may be shunted by a series connection of a normally-open, instantaneously operated, contact 287 of the relay 275 and a normally-closed, instantaneously operated contact 288 of the relay 285. The contact 281 may be shunted through a series connection of a normallyclosed, instantaneously operated contact 2910f the relay 275 and a normally-open, instantaneously operated contact 292 of the relay 285.

The solenoid 181 of the distributor bypass valve may be energized either through a series connection of a normally-open, instantaneously operated contact 294 of the time delay relay 240 and a normally-closed, instantaneously operated contact 295 of the relay 285 or through a series connection of a normally-open, instantaneously operated contact 297 of the time delay relay 250 and a normally-closed, instantaneously operated contact 298 of t the relay 275. The solenoid 185 of the distributor reversing value 172 is connected across the bus lines 220 and 221m series with a normally-open contact 302 of the limit switch 122. The contact 302 is closed when the plunger '119 of the limit switch 122 is actuated by either the cam 81 or the cam 82. Connected in parallel with the solenoid 185 is an operating coil 304 of a relay 305 having a normally-open, instantaneously operated contact 307 and a normally-closed, instantaneously 0perated contact 308.

The contact 302 may be shunted by the closure of a contact 309 of the time delay relay 255. The contact 309 is set so that it will open a predetermined time after the time delay relay 255 is deenergized. The closure of a contact 311 of the limit switch 121, when the plunger .118 of the later is actuated by either the cam 81 or the cam 82, energizes the solenoid 186 of the distributor reversing valve 172 which is connected in parallel with an operating coil 314 of a relay 315. The relay 315 is provided with a normally-closed,instantaneously operated contact 316 and a normally-open, instantaneously operated contact 317. The contact 311 of the limit switch 121 may be shunted"by the closure of a normally-open contact 319 of a time delay relay 245. The contact 319 is set to open a predetermined time after the time delay relay 245 is deenergized.

The contact 302 of the limit switch 122 is connected in parallel with a series connection of the contact 307 of the relay 305 and the contact 316 of the relay 315. Similarly, the contact 311 of the limit switch 121 is connected in parallel with a series connection of the contact 308 of the relay 305 and the contact 317 of the relay 315.

The counter 225 is driven by the sheave 60 and is designed to close the contact 224 momentarily each time a predetermined length of the strand 11 passes over the sheave. This predetermined length of the strand 11 will be assumed to be that length which will about completely fill a takeup reel, such as the reels 31 and 32.

Operation It will be assumed that the strand reeling apparatus is operating, that the motor 47 is energized and that the takeup reel 31 is partially filled. The motor 55 is deenergized at this time, but the takeup reel 32 is mounted on the reel supporting cones 27 and 28. The piston rod 94 of the stepping cylinder 95 is in its fully retracted, lefthand position and the piston rod 106 of the bumper cylinder 105 is likewise in its lefthand position, as illustrated in Fig. 1. As the strand 11 advances continuously, the distributor carriage 70 is reciprocated to distribute the convolutions of the strand in uniform layers upon the winding drurn 34 of the take-up reel 31. At this time the reciprocation of the piston rod 84 of the distributor cylinder is controlled by the cam 82 which operates the limit switches 121 and 122 alternately.

When the limit switch 121 is operated by the cam 82, as shown in Fig. 1, the contact 311 closes to energize the solenoid 186 of the distributor reversing valve 172, thereby reversing the direction of flow of the hydraulic fluid in the lines 176 and 178. The hydraulic fluid now enters the lefthand end of the distributor cylinder 85 and is exhausted from the righthand end thereof so that the distributor carriage 70 is moved to the right at a speed proportional to the rotational speed of the motor 47. The movement of the distributor carriage 70 is reversed again when the cam 82 operates the limit switch 122, since the operation of the latter deenergizes the solenoid 186 and reenergizes the solenoid 185 of the distributor reversing valve 172. In this manner the distribution of the strand 11 continues throughout the reeling of the strand 11 upon the takeup reel 31.

When the takeup reel 31 begins to fill up the motor 55 is energized preparatory to a cutover operation. Thereafter, when the length-measuring counter 225 indicates that the takeup reel 31 has the predetermined length of the strand 11 wound thereon, the cutover operation is initiated. The contact 224 is closed momentarily and the stepping relay 230 is caused to index ahead one position. As a. result, the contact brushes 235235 are shifted to the second contacts 232-232 of the banks A and B of the stepping relay 230, whereby the solenoid 174 of the pump bypass valve 160 is energized to direct the hydraulic fluid discharged by the pump 152 to the distributor reversing valve 172 and to bypass the hydraulic fluid discharged by the pump 151 to the hydraulic fluid reservoir 157. Simultaneously, the time delay relays 240 and 245 are energized, whereby the contact 261 opens immediately to deenergize the time delay relays 250 and Energization of the time delay relay 240 closes the contact 266 immediately to energize the solenoid 201 of the valve 197 and the solenoid 202 of the same valve is deenergized by the opening of the contact 267 simultaneously. With the solenoid 201 energized, the valve 197 is connected so as to exhaust the pilot line 195 and, accordingly, the lefthand end of the stepping cylinder is connected to the 'air reservoir 190 so that the piston rod 94 thereof is thrown rapidly to the right carrying with it the distributor cylinder 85.

Simultaneously, the solenoid 181 of the distributor bypass valve 180 is energized toopen the latter, whereby the both ends of the distributor cylinder 85 are intercomnected. As the distributor cylinder 85 is moved rapidly to its righthand operating position it pulls the distributor carriage 70 to the right until the stop 116 thereon strikes the resilient collar on the bumper member 112. This causes the distributor carriage 70 to stop in a position such that the guide fingers 6464 direct the strand 11 to the lefthand end of the winding drum 34 of the empty reel 32 immediately adjacent to the inner reel head As the strand 11 is transferred from the full takeup reel 31 to the empty takeup reel 32, one of the fingers 57-57 on each of the rotating snagger wheels 55 and 56 catch a length of the strand and carry it against the cutter 59, whereby the strand is severed and the new leading end thereof is attached to the winding drum 34 of the empty takeup reel 32. Thus the reeling of the strand 11 commences at the desired point on the winding drum 34 of the empty takeup reel 32, which point is at the extreme lefthand end of the winding drum immediately adjacent to the inner reel head 35.

The movement of the piston rod 94 of the stepping cylinder 95 into its fully extended, righthand position moves the cam into engagement with the actuator 136 of the limit switch 142 to close its contact 281. The closure of the contact 281 energizes the solenoid 212 of the valve 205 and the operating coil 284- of the relay 285 WhlCl'l opens its contact 288 to deenergize the solenoid 211 of the valve 205 and the operating coil 274 of the relay 275. The energization of the solenoid 212 admits air under pressure to the lefthand end of the bumper cylinder 105 and exhausts the other end thereof, whereby the piston rod 106 and attached bumper members 111 and 112 are moved to their righthand operating positions 1n which the bumper members will not interfere with the distribution of the strand 11 upon the takeup reel 32.

Simultaneously, the 'opening of the contact 295 of the now energized relay 285 deenergizes the solenoid 181 of the distributor bypass valve 180, whereby the latter is closed. With the distributor bypass valve closed, the reciprocation of the piston rod 84 and attached distributor carriage 70 is re-initiated. The solenoid 185 of the distributing reversing valve 172 is deenergized at this time and the solenoid 186 of that valve is energized through the still closed contact of the time delay relay 245. Accordingly, the distributor carriage 70 commences ts movement in a righthand direction and continues movmg in this direction until the cam 81 strikes the actuator 119 of the limit switch 122 to reverse its movement. At apredetermined time during this initial movement of the distributor carriage 70 to the right, the contact 319 opens due to the fact that the time delay relay 245 was deenergized when the contact 247 opened shortly after the energization of the time delay relay 240.

Now that the cutover operation is completed, the reelmg operation on the takeup reel 32 proceeds in the normal manner previously described in connection with the takeup reel 31. The takeup reel 31 is stopped subsequently, is removed from the reel-supporting cones 25 and 26 and is replaced by another empty takeup reel 31. Thereafter, when the takeup reel 32 is nearly full, the drive motor 47 is again energized to rotate the empty takeup reel 31 and the apparatus is again in readiness for the next cutover operation. When the length-measuring counter 225 operates again, the strand 11 is transferred from the takeup reel 32 to the empty takeup reel 31 in a manner similar to that described hereinabove. However, this time, the distributor carriage 70 is stopped initially asss, 120

by the bumper member 111 in a position such that the reeling of the strand will commence at the extreme righth'and end of the winding drum 34 of the takeuplreel 31.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular apparatus described hereinabove, since such apparatus is merely anlexemplary embodiment thereof. Manifestly, Various modifications and embodiments may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: i

1. Strand reeling apparatus for taking up a continuous- 1y advancing strand alternately upon rotatably driven takeup reels, which apparatus comprises ;a movable strand guide, distributing means for reciprocating the strand guide relative to the winding surfaces of the takeup reels, indexing means for shifting the strand distributing means alternately from a first operating position wherein the strand guide distributes the strand upon the winding surface of one takeup reel to a second operating position wherein the strand is distributed similarly upon another takeup reel, means for operating the indexing means to transfer the distributing means alternately from one operating position to the other, and movable means held stationary during the shifting of the strand distributing means for positively stopping the strand guide momentarily at predetermined positions with respect tothe takeup reels while the distributing means is being shifted to transfer the strand from one takeup reel to another so as to cause the strand guide todirect the strand initially toa predetermined point on each takeup reel, the movable means being movable after the strand distributing means has been shifted to permit normal distribution of the strand on the other takeup reel.

2. Strand reeling apparatus for taking up a continuously advancing strand alternately upon rotatably driven takeup reels, which apparatus comprises a movable strand guide, distributing means for reciprocating the strand guide relative to the winding surfaces of the takeup reels, indexing means for shifting the distributing means alternately from a first operating position wherein the strand guide distributes the strand upon the Winding surface of one takeup reel to a second operating position wherein the strand is distributed similarly upon another takeup reel,

means for operating the indexing means to transfer the distributing means alternately from one operating position to the other, and a pair of spaced, movable bumper members held stationary during the, shifting ofthe strand distributing means for engaging and positively stopping the strand guide momentarilyat predetermined positions with respect to the takeup reels while the distributing means is being shifted to transfer the strand from one takeup reel to another so as to cause the strand guide to direct the strand initially to a predetermined point on each takeup reel the bumper members being movable after the strand distributing means has been shifted to permit normal distribution of the strand on the other takeup reel.

3. Strand reeling apparatus for taking up a continuously advancing strand alternately upon rotatably driven takeup reels mounted side-b-y-side in axial alignment, which apparatus comprises a strand guide slidably mounted for movement parallel to the rotational axes of said takeup reels, a fluid actuated distributing cylinder operatively connected to the strand guide for reciprocating said strand guide relative to the winding surfaces of the takeup reels, indexing means for shifting the distributing cylinder alternately from a first operating position wherein the strand is distributed upon the Winding surface of one takeup reel to a second operating position wherein the strand is distributed similarly upon another takeup reel, and means for positively stopping the strand guide momentarily at predetermined positions with respect to the takeup reels independently of the movement of the distributing cylinder while said cylinder is being shifted to transfer the strand from one takeup reel to the other so as to cause the strand guide to direct the strand initially to a predetermined point on each takeup reel.

4. Strand reeling apparatus for taking up a continuously advancing strand alternately upon rotatably driven takeup reels mounted side-by-side in axial alignment, which apparatus comprises a strand guide mounted slidably formovement parallel to the rotational axes of said takeup reels, a fluid actuated distributing cylinder operatively connected to the strand guide for reciprocating the strand guide, indexing means forshifting the distributing cylinder alternately from one operating position wherein the strand is distributed between the opposite ends of the first takeup reel to a second operating position wherein said strand is distributed similarly upon a. second takeup reel, means for operating the indexing means to transfer the strand from the first takeup reel to the second takeup reel, a movable bumper positioned for engaging and stopping the strand guide positively at a predetermined position while the distributing cylinder is being shifted from the first operating position to the second operating position whereby the strand guide directs the strand initially to a predetermined point on the second takeup reel, and means for shifting the bumper out of the path of the reciprocation of the strand guide as the strand guide is reciprocated thereafter by the distributing cylinder todistribute the strand between the ends of the second takeup reel.

5. Strand reeling apparatus for taking up a continuously advancing strand alternately upon rotatably driven takeup reels mounted side-by-side in axial alignment, which apparatus comprises a strand guide mounted slidably for movement parallel to the rotational axes of said takeup reels, a fluid-actuated distributing cylinder operatively connected to the strand guide for reciprocating the strand guide, indexing means for shifting the distributing cylinder alternately from one operating position wherein the strand is distributed between the opposite ends of a first takeup reel to a second operating position wherein said strand is distributed similarly upon a second takeup reel, means for operating the indexing means to transfer the strand from one takeup reel to another takeup reel, a pair of spaced, movable bumpers, one of said bumpers being positioned for engaging and stopping the 1 strand guide positively at a predetermined position while the distributing cylinder is being shifted from the first operating position to the second operating position, whereby the strand guide directs the strand initially to a predetermined point onthe second takeup reel, and means for shifting the engaged bumper out of the path of reciprocation of ,the strand guide as the strand guide is thereafter reciprocated by the distributing cylinder to distribute the strand abetWeenthe ends of the second takeup reel, the other bumper being, shifted simultaneously to a position such that it will engage and stop the strand guide positively at a predetermined location when the indexing means is subsequently operated to transfer the strand back to the first ,takeup reel whereby the strand guide then directs the strand initially to a predetermined point on the first takeup reel.

6. Strand reeling apparatus for taking up predetermined lengths of a continuously advancing strand alternately upon rotatably driven takeup reels mounted sideby-side in axial alignment, which apparatus comprises a strand guide mounted slidably for movement parallel to the rotational axes of said takeup reels, a fluid-actuated distributing cylinder operatively connected to the strand guide, means for actuating the distributing cylinder to reciprocate the strand guide, indexing means operatively connected to the distributing cylinder for shifting the distributing cylinder from one operating position wherein the strand is distributed upon a first takeup reel to a second operating position wherein the strand is distributed similarly upon a second takeup reel, means for operating the indexing means when a predetermined. length of the strand has been wound upon one of the takeup reels to transfer the strand from that takeup reel to the other takeup reel, fluid-bypass means actuated simultaneously 11 ends of the distributing cylinder for allowing the strand guide to be stopped and to facilitate free movement of the distributing cylinder with respect to the strand guide, a pair of spaced movable bumpers, one of said bumpers being positioned for engaging and stopping the strand guide positively at a predetermined position independently of the movement of the distributing cylinder while the latter is being indexed from the first operating position to the second operating position whereby the strand guide directs the strand initially to a predetermined point on the second takeup reel, means for deactuating the fluidbypass means so as to reinitiate the reciprocation of the strand guide, and means for shifting the engaged bumper out of the path of reciprocation of the strand guide, the other bumper being shifted simultaneously to a position such that it will engage and stop the strand guide positively at a predetermined position when the indexing means is operated subsequently to transfer the strand to the first takeup reel whereby the strand guide then directs the strand initially to a predetermined point on the first takeup reel.

7. Strand reeling apparatus for taking up a continuously advancing strand alternately upon rotatably driven takeup reels mounted side-by-side in axial alignment, which apparatus comprises a strand guide mounted slidably for movement parallel to the rotational aXes of said takeup reels, a fluid-actuated distributing cylinder operatively connected to the strand guide, means for actuating the distributing cylinder to reciprocate the strand guide, a fluid-actuated stepping cylinder operatively connected to the distributing cylinder for shifting the distributing cylinder from one operating position wherein the strand is distributed upon a first takeup reel to a second operating position wherein said strand is distributed similarly upon a second takeup reel, means for actuating the stepping cylinder periodically to transfer the strand alternately from one takeup reel to the other takeup reel, a bypass valve actuated simultaneously with the stepping cylinder for interconnecting the opposite ends of the distributing cylinder for allowing the strand guide to stop and to facilitate free movement of the distributing cylinder with respect to the strand guide, a pair of spaced, movable bumpers, one of said bumpers being positioned for engaging and stopping the strand guide positively at a predetermined position independently of the movement of the distributing cylinder while the latter is shifted from the first operating position to the second operating position, whereby the strand guide directs the strand initially to a predetermined point on the second takeup reel, means operated immediately thereafter for deactuating the bypass valve so as to reinitiate the reciprocation of the strand guide, and means operated simultaneously for shifting the engaged bumper out of the path of reciprocation of the strand guide, the other bumper being shifted simultaneously to a position such that it will engage and stop the strand guide positively at a predetermined location when the stepping cylinder is subsequently operated to transfer the strand to the first takeup reel whereby the strand guide then directs the strand initially to a predetermined point on the first takeup reel.

8. Strand reeling apparatus for taking up a continuously advancing strand alternately upon rotatably driven takeup reels mounted side-by-side in axial alignment, which apparatus comprises a strand guide mounted slidably for movement parallel to the rotational axes of said takeup reels, a fluid-actuated distributing cylinder operatively connected to the strand guide, means for actuating the distributing cylinder to reciprocate the strand guide, a fluid-actuated stepping cylinder operatively connected to the distributing cylinder for shifting the distributing cylinder from one operating position wherein the strand is distributed upon a first takeup reel to a second operating position wherein said strand is distributed similarly upon a second takeup reel, means for actuating the stepping cylinder periodically to transfer the strand alternately from one takeup reel to the other takeup reel, a bypass Valve actuated simultaneously with the stepping cylinder for interconnecting the opposite ends of the distributing cylinder for allowing the strand guide to stop and to facilitate free movement of the distributing cylinder with respect to the strand guide, a pair of spaced, movable bumpers, one of said bumpers being positioned for engaging and stopping the strand guide positively at a predetermined position independently of the movement of the distributing cylinder while the latter is shifted from the first operating position to the second operating position, whereby the strand guide directs the strand initially to a predetermined point on the second takeup reel, means for deactuating the bypass valve so as to reinitiate the reciprocation of the strand guide, and a fluidoperated bumper cylinder operated simultaneously with said last-mentioned means for shifting the engaged bumper out of the path of reciprocation of the strand guide, the other bumper being shifted by the bumper cylinder simultaneously to a position such that it will engage and stop the strand guide positively at a predetermined location when the stepping cylinder is subsequently operated to transfer the strand to the first takeup reel whereby the strand guide then directs the strand initially to a predeermined point on the first takeup reel.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,122,485 Nelson July 5, 1938 2,424,021 Cook July 15, 1947 2,546,636 Hanson et a1. Mar. 27, 1951 2,546,637 Robson Mar. 27, 1951 

